Justin Verlander earns first World Series win as Astros take Game 5 over Phillies, 3-2

Three innings later, with the score tied 1-1, Pena put the Astros on top again, smashing a solo home run off Phillies starter Noah Syndergaard to become the first rookie shortstop in major league history to go deep in the World Series. 

Still holding a 2-1 advantage in the eighth, Yordan Alvarez added some insurance for the Astros, driving in Altuve with a groundout to first base to increase Houston's lead to 3-1. 

Philadelphia would attempt a rally in the bottom half of the eighth after a Jean Segura RBI single cut the deficit to 3-2. However, closer Ryan Pressly would enter, getting the final two outs with the lead intact. 

In the ninth, after striking Pressly struck out first baseman Rhys Hoskins, the Astros survived a scare off the bat of catcher J.T. Realmuto. Realmuto smashed a long drive to center field, caught by centerfielder Chas McCormick, who made a remarkable leaping grab at the wall. 

Pressly hit the next batter, Bryce Harper, before forcing Nick Castellnos to ground out to Pena for the final out. 

After being down two games to one, the Astros now hold a 3-2 lead as the World Series shifts back to Houston for Game 6 on Saturday. 

Zack Wheeler will take the mound for the Phillies as he attempts to keep their season alive. Meanwhile, the Astros will turn to Framber Valdez with a chance to clinch the World Series.